- Recent form: Austin FC have three wins, one draw, and six defeats in their last ten matches (all competitions).
- Recent run: Austin FC are on a two-game losing streak in MLS: W3-0 H Seattle (L A Houston), L0-2 A Colorado.
- Tijuana form: Club Tijuana are the form team in this game (W6, D3, L1 last ten, all competitions).
Tijuana to outsmart Austin in Leagues Cup contest
Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente have been the better of these two clubs in recent months and Sebastián Abreu's side should have enough momentum to edge out their MLS opponents on Friday.
Tactics and threat
Abreu's men have been more front-foot and creative in their approach to the game, deploying a flexible 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-4 system that allows players to make runs in behind and combine with quick one-twos. Their ability to carry the ball forward and execute at pace will test the resolve of Austin's more rigid 4-3-3 system, while the fact that they are also capable of sitting back and frustrating in games will make them a formidable opponent.
Austin and home form
Austin have been solid at home across all competitions in recent weeks, but their lack of control in games has been a concern for boss Davy Arnaud. Austin have won three of their last four home games (W3, L1) conceding just three goals, but this is a game where Arnaud's team are likely to be chased onto the back foot and Tijuana's ability to break lines should allow them to be the front-running team.
Austin's set-piece ability may be their best route to an upset, but Tijuana's tempo and inter-line play should see them stay on the front foot for the most part in a tight and high-energy game.
- Tijuana have been in impressive form on their travels across all competitions (W2, D3, L1 from six) conceding just five goals.
- Austin are just edging the bookmakers' odds at 2.3 with Tijuana at 2.7 and the draw at 3.5, and while the draw is a distinct possibility in this contest, we're giving the visitors the nod here.
- Over 2.5 goals at 1.65 and both teams to score at 1.55 look too low, but there should be enough goals to make both markets hit.
